Zibits Mini R/C Robots Review and Giveaway

“Bug” is only three years old but he is already a technology freak…meaning that he is very technologically advanced and already has the ability and knowledge on how to run many of the remote controlled toys and robots. So naturally when we were offered the opportunity to let him review on of the Zibits Mini R/C Robots, we were happy to say YES!

About Zibits Mini R/C Robots (taken from website):

Welcome to the world of Zibits mini-r/c robots! Combining R/C with 12 collectable miniature robot designs, Zibits are getting ready to take the world by storm.

Rapid development in the robotics industry has fueled Senario's growth in the category, making advanced tech more attainable and cost effective. Possibilities are endless as we aim to provide consumers with an array of robotic products that span across multiple markets.

Product Details
Mini Collectable Zibits come to life with the Z-mote!!
Race your Zibit forward and turn at a 360 degree radius
Awesome Zibit sound effects
Collect'em ALL! Over 12 hot Zibit designs in 3 categories

Our Thoughts:

“Bug” was sent the Vintage Tech, Gold Zibit to review and we could not wait for it to arrive. We didn’t know which one we would be reviewing, which was awesome cause we love surprises! Anyways once it arrived “Bug” couldn’t wait to get it out of the package and see what it could do. I love that the robot comes with batteries, but we did need to supply the AAA batteries for the remote but with a kiddo we keep all sorts of batteries on hand so we were covered.

After we got the robot and remote all set up it was time to play. Now I hate to admit it but I had to have “Bug” show me how to work it, because immediately he had it moving and spinning all over the kitchen floor. I love the robot has an on and off switch but with a three year old as it’s owner it doesn’t always get turned off but luckily it will power itself off after a while of not being used. The remote features a joystick type button that allows “Bug” to get the robot anywhere he wants it and I was surprised with him never using a joystick remote before at how quickly he was using this robot.

Since we received our Zibit, in late January we have yet to have to replace the batteries in either the robot or the remote. It has also been a huge hit with all the kids….and yes even us grownups have had a blast playing with it, of course only when “Bug” isn’t looking LOL! I have had both of my nephews asking for their own Zibits for their birthdays coming up in July, and I fully intend to get them each a couple of them. Now there are quite a few Zibits to choose from when purchasing them that I’m sure it will be easy to find the perfect Mini R/C robot for each of them.

Bottom Line:

“Bug” loves his Zibit! I love it for the simple fact that he loves it and it is by far the best robot we have gotten him thus far. I have to say also that we have all enjoyed having the Zibit around and will be adding to our collection any chance we get. I think it would be awesome for each of us to have our own Zibit and have little races and competitions with them!

We totally recommend Zibits to everyone who loves robots and I have to say they are perfect for any age…..young or old…..they make a wonderful gift for any occasion.

Buy It:
To purchase the Zibit mentioned above and many more visit the Senario website to find out where to buy them!

Win It:
Senario has generously offered one of my lucky readers a Vintage Tech, Gold Zibit (ARV $15.00) to start their own Zibits collection!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Senario and have a look at the Zibits and tell me which one you would like to have! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Senario be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. Follow Senario on Twitter

Giveaway ends May 23, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Vintage Tech, Gold Zibit mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner Review and Giveaway

I know it’s a bit late for spring cleaning but to be completely honest…we are just now starting to work on cleaning our home for spring. We have been going room by room getting rid of unnecessary and unwanted things as well as doing deep cleaning in every room. I will tell you first and foremost though that I do not like for either of my bathrooms to be nasty nor do I like to have a dirty kitchen. My family and friends call me a clean freak because I keep my bathrooms and kitchen spotless, even if I have to be up cleaning them in the middle of the night. On the other hand, I’m very particular about the cleaning products I choose to use in my home, but I am always open to trying new products. Recently I was offered the chance to review CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner and of course I couldn’t say no!

About CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner:
CLR Bathroom & Kitchen Cleaner is a fast-acting and powerful foam spray formulated to make short work of stubborn dirt, calcium, lime, hard water stains and soap scum. CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner has earned the EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) designation, which identifies products that pose the least threat to human health and environmental affects.

Our Thoughts:

 As soon as our bottle of CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner, we immediately went to work on some of the toughest parts of the kitchen and bathroom to get them looking great and make them spick and span. I’m sure you all have seen the advertisements about how wonderful this stuff is and all the “miracles” it is said to do…well does it really work that well…..YES!

Ever since we bought our home we have had some issues with yellowy stains in our master bathtub, we were actually getting ready to replace the tub itself because nothing we have tried has gotten the stains out, except CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner! And best of all it’s so easy to use and it doesn’t cause you to have sore elbows from using all that elbow grease scrubbing the tubs. I simply sprayed the entire tub with a hefty coating of CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner and let it set for about twenty min. then simply wiped it down and rinsed and the yellow stains are gone! I could not be happier with the results!

We have used our CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner on everything in the bathrooms, including when I scrub our toilets(I can’t stand a dirty toilet)! We have also used it in our kitchen to deep clean our sink, stove and microwave!

Bottom Line:
We are extremely pleased with the results we have gotten using CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner, It is amazing how quick and easy it is to clean some of the worst places to clean. The only down side to CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner is the smell, I have to admit that even though it works like magic, the smell is not very pleasing, actually if I use any other cleaning product along with it, it kind of gives me a headache, so I totally recommend CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner but I do not recommend using it at the same time with any other cleaners.

Buy It:
To purchase the CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner mentioned above and many more CLR products visit the Jelmar website to find a retail location near you!

Win It:
Jelmar has offered 3 yes, 3 of my lucky readers each a bottle of CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Jelmar and tell me what one product you would like to try! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Jelmar be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” CLR on Facebook

6. Follow CLR on Twitter

Giveaway ends May 22, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

ECOzip Review and Giveaway

Since the fall of the economy, my husband and I have been looking for ways to save money from cutting back on non-essential items and taking our lunches to school and work with us. Well recently I was given the opportunity to review some of the storage bags from ECOzip to help us take our lunches and I have to say…we love them.

About ECOzip (taken from website):

Ecozip Multi-Compartment Storage Bags w/ 3 zip technology gives you more bag! Use as a split bag or unzip center and use the whole bag!!

Get more with less!! Our goal is to create a more conscious awareness of how we use everyday products that make our lives easier.

Save Bags…Save money up to 3X the value! Ecozip gives you the option to use as a FULL bag or a SPLIT bag!

Keep it separate….or bring it together!
Use Ecozip to store….
Leftovers-Wet and Dry snacks-Travel-Pre-prepped foods.

Our Thoughts:

We were sent a sample of all three bag sizes to review and I couldn’t wait for them to arrive since we are constantly taking our lunch and I’m always looking for the perfect bag to keep “Bug’s” snacks on hand. We began using them when they arrived and we used our samples for many different storage solutions.

Naturally we used the snack/sandwich bags for just that to pack our lunches and snacks! What I love most about Ecozip sandwich/snack bags is their convent zipper bag with 2 pouches, I love that I can pack an entire lunch for my husband using ONE zipper bag, I can put his sandwich in one compartment, chips or his favorite white chocolate chip macadamia cookies in the last compartment, to save on the use of 2 separate plastic bags!

Next we used our Storage/Quart bags to keep “Bug’s” snack for pre-school in. He loves to take fruits and veggies especially celery so this is an amazing baggie for him. I love that I am able to give him the option of different fruits or veggies, all in one baggie. I love that I can fit several sticks of celery in this baggie just the right size for him as well as slice up a whole medium apple and it all fits! I generally make him up a fruit snack, veggie snack and send him some of his favorite chocolate animal crackers!

Ok so we also got the chance to review the storage/gallon bags and I have to say this one is probably my favorite size of the three for the simple fact…..I can easily carry my must have make-up products with me nice and separated but in one convent bag. Since my husband has to work overnight on Thursdays, I generally spend the night with my parents so I love that I can take all my make-up and personal items with me in one easy to carry bag. Now even though I use this bag for make-up purposes. I have a feeling it would also make a wonderful bag to store a full dinner for one in, if you are on the go.

So you know how we decided to use our baggies but I bet your wondering how well they hold up right? A zipper bag with 3 different usages is too good to be true right…nope, these are some very durable baggies. And just to show you how durable…I have been using the same gallon baggie since it arrived in late January/early February! We have also washed and reused some of the other baggies as well, since they work fine using them more than once we are both saving money and keeping unnecessary trash out of the dump.

Bottom Line:

As you can see there are so many different uses for Ecozip bags and I’m sure you will find a new and unique way to use them around your home. I’ve got so many ideas to store some of my jewelry and craft supplies as well as storing some of “Bug’s” smaller toy sets since they are so durable and well organized! Really the possibilities for use is endless..the only set back I can see is that I can’t find them in any of the stores around here.

If you are looking to save some money on plastic bags and help keep unnecessary trash out of the land fields I highly recommend picking up some of the Ecozip baggies!

Buy It:
To purchase the Ecozip bags mentioned above visit the EcoZip website to purchase or find a retail location near you!

Win It:
Ecozip has kindly offered one my lucky readers a box of each of the 3 sizes! That’s an awesome prize pack guys and I can tell you, your going to love these baggies (ARV $9.99)!

Mandatory Entry: Visit ECOzip and tell me how you would use your baggies if you won! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to ECOzip be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” ECOzip on Facebook (2 extra)

Giveaway ends May 16, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the samples of ECOzip mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

8th Continent® Soymilk and Music Sensation Sara Bareilles Launch “Nice Job Mom: We Rock” Contest and Giveaway

I know how much you guys love giveaways, sweepstakes and contest so I have some information about the 8th Continent® Soymilk and Music Sensation Sara Bareilles Launch “Nice Job Mom: We Rock” sweepstakes to share with you all as well as offer a giveaway too 5 of my readers!
About 8th Continent® Soymilk and Music Sensation Sara Bareilles Launch “Nice Job Mom: We Rock”

8th Continent® Soymilk and Music Sensation Sara Bareilles Launch “Nice Job Mom: We Rock”

~ Nationwide Search Celebrates Moms Who Rock, Supports Local School Music Programs ~

SANTA ANA, Calif., March 14, 2011 – Stremicks Heritage Foods™, makers of 8th Continent Soymilk, has announced the launch of the brand’s “Nice Job Mom: We Rock” campaign to honor those moms who go the distance to keep their families’ health and happiness in perfect harmony. Acclaimed singer and songwriter (and soy milk enthusiast) Sara Bareilles will serve as the spokesperson for the national promotion, which also serves to advance music education in local schools.

"I'm thrilled to be joining forces with 8th Continent Soymilk to take part in an incredible contest that celebrates the coolest kind of rock stars: Moms,” said Sara Bareilles. “I love being a part of something that acknowledges how amazing moms are, and this contest also distributes some incredible prizes to the winning school music programs. Music education is near and dear to my heart and I am honored to lend my support to keeping music alive in the schools, and in our communities. So... celebrating our moms, AND putting music in the hands of our kids? It's a win-win!”

Think your parenting is worthy of applause? Then, take to our stage – www.8thContinent.com/werock – and share the tips and tricks that make you a rock star mom in 50 words or less. By telling us how your commitment to your family’s healthy and nutritious lifestyle makes your gig as a mom easier, you’ll be placed in the running to win a truly rockin’ experience: An expense-paid trip to Los Angeles for you and a friend where you’ll experience the star treatment – including a private meet and greet at Sara Bareilles’ live concert performance. Four additional hipster/tipster moms will be awarded a night out on the town for themselves and three of their friends when Sara’s tour hits a city near them. In addition, 8th Continent Soymilk will make a $10,000 donation in the name of each of the five winners to their local school music programs, which will be presented to each school in Fall 2011 by Sara, herself.

Visitors to the site will vote on the entries they feel should win – and in turn will receive downloadable coupons for 8th Continent Soymilk.

"As a family-owned and operated brand, we applaud those moms who top the charts when it comes to making life healthier and happier for their own families,” said Sam Stremick, Vice President, Sales and Marketing for 8th Continent Soymilk. “Giving back to the communities we serve is also one of our core principles. In today’s environment where many schools face constrained resources, especially for music education, the 8th Continent “Nice Job, Mom: We Rock” campaign is particularly rewarding, as it allows us to celebrate moms’ contributions and provide much-needed funds to support local school music programs.”

The "Nice Job, Mom: You Rock” contest went live on March 11th on www.8thcontinent.com/werock and entries will be accepted through June 5, 2011.
.
To find out more about 8th Continent Soymilk and the “Nice Job, Mom: We Rock” campaign, log onto www.8thcontinent.com/werock, connect with the brand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/8thContinentSoymilk or join us on Twitter @8thContinentSoy.

About Sara Bareilles
Epic Records recording artist Sara Bareilles is a three-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, whose most recent album Kaleidoscope Heart debuted at #1 and features the hit "King of Anything" along with the highly anticipated follow-up "Uncharted." Sara Bareilles began her career with the smash "Love Song" from the album Little Voice, which has sold over one million copies worldwide. A favorite of the White House, Sara Bareilles has been welcomed there for three separate performances to date. She’ll be touring this year with Maroon 5 and Sugarland.

About 8th Continent Soymilk
8th Continent Soymilk is made from U.S. grown soybeans that aren't genetically engineered. An excellent source of calcium, it is the American Heart Association-certified soymilk. 8th Continent Soymilk is available in eight different varieties: Complete Vanilla; Regular Original and Vanilla; Light Original, Vanilla, and Chocolate; and Fat Free Original and Vanilla. All 8th Continent soymilks are lactose- and gluten-free, vegan, and Kosher U certified. More information on 8th Continent Soymilk products can be found at http://www.8thcontinent.com/.

About Stremicks Heritage Foods
Stremicks Heritage Foods™ (Heritage), founded in 1990, manufactures, sells and distributes value-added, specialty beverage products on a regional and national scale. Headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif., the company operates in Santa Ana, Riverside and Ontario, Calif.; Cedar City, Utah; Joplin, Missouri and Mexicali, Mexico. Heritage manufactures such well recognized brands as Heritage Organic Milk, Heritage Organic Milk with Omega-3 DHA, 8th Continent Soymilk, Kern's Beverages, Heritage Disney Branded Flavored Milks, Rice Dream and Soy Dream, in addition to other "good for you" beverages such as Almond Milk and Organic Creamer. For more information, visit www.stremicksheritagefoods.com.

Win It:
Ok, so after you go enter the contest, be sure to enter right here on The Cartoon Lovin’ Mama for your chance to win two coupons for 8th Continent Soymilk: one for a free ½ carton and one for $1 off…pretty sweet huh!

Mandatory Entry: Visit 8th Continent Soymilk and tell me your favorite memory of music class! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and the 8th Continent® Soymilk and Music Sensation Sara Bareilles Launch “Nice Job Mom: We Rock” contest be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. Enter the 8th Continent® Soymilk and Music Sensation Sara Bareilles Launch “Nice Job Mom: We Rock” contest (5 extra)!


Giveaway ends May 15, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did not receive any products nor was monetary compensation received.

Hank Player Review & Facebook Giveaway

All of you that have been following my blog for any length of time knows that I am always on the lookout for fun and unique clothing for both myself and my little man. Well recently I happened to come across a wonderful company that offers a variety of fun and adorable tees for boys ranging in sizes 6M-10/12, so they pretty much have boys of all ages up to size 10/12 covered…..literally! After spending quite some time looking over their amazing selection of shirts at Hank Player in “Bug’s” size, I knew that I just had to feature them right here on The Cartoon Lovin’ Mama, so naturally when Sandy agreed I was thrilled and couldn’t wait to see what shirt “Bug” would get to review!

About Hank Player (taken from website):

A boy … not just snips and snails and puppy-dog tails. Hank Player understands the boy in all of us.

Favorite shirts don't come along very often, but if your little boy's drawer is filled with Hank Player, they'll come along every day!

Hank Player strives to create a quality, long lasting garment that brings together a combination of unique graphics and vintage color processing. All about clean designs on easy-wearing clothes, Hank Player is garment-dyed and washed to give it a familiar lived-in feel.

The kind of clothes repeatedly picked out of the drawer or closet when given the choice, Hank Player has the ability to make a positive statement about the boys wearing them and once they put them on, they'll never take them off!

Hank Player lets a boy define himself, and you'll recognize him in our designs. The one who throws his head back in a belly laugh of delight, cries when he loses, cheers when he wins, stares at the worm in the grass until he's figured it out, and the boy who wears a cape and pretends he can fly. Here's to boys … our boys, your boys, Hank Player boys!

Our Thoughts:

I knew we were getting a shirt in size 3T for “Bug” to wear and review but I had no idea which one, and to be honest I wasn’t really that picky because I absolutely love all of the designs they have available. Since I was young I have always been fascinated with sports, participating in basketball, softball and cheerleading and my husband was a star football and baseball player himself so when we seen that we were sent the Breakfast of Champions Tee we knew it was perfect for our little man, who is already starting to show an interest in sports of all kinds!

“Bug” is a little on the small side for his age but I figured a 2T would be too small in a few months but I was afraid a 3T would be to big, but I opted for the he’ll grow into it and got the 3T. I was very surprised when “Bug” put it on that it fit him so well. I love that it’s big enough that he will be able to wear it pretty much all year and he seems to love that it’s very breathable and comfortable. The shirt itself is very soft and made of high quality materials. The color is great and the vintage looking design goes extremely well with the color.

As far as how this tee held up in the wash…well it has become one of “Bug’s” go to shirt and he wears it at least once a week, so it gets in the wash regularly. I’m extremely happy to report that it has held up wonderfully! Even thought the toughest of stain removal processes the shirt looks just as it did when we took it out of the package! Best of all the shirt did not shrink an inch when dried with my regular like clothing, which is wonderful because I don’t like to have to dry things separately or hang them out to dry! I can’t wait to order my little man some more of these wonderful and humorous tees, I have my eye on a couple including this one:

Bottom Line:

Our overall experience with Hank Player has been fabulous! I would highly recommend them to anyone with a little man or one on the way! With all their wonderful designs it will be easy to find a shirt that your little one will love, as much as “Bug” loves his!

If you have a little one celebrating a birthday or maybe want to get them something special just because, be sure to check out the collection of tees at Hank Player, you wont be sorry!

Buy It:
To purchase the Breakfast of Champions Tee mentioned above and so many more tees visit the Hank Player website!

Connect with Hank Player on Facebook and Twitter!
Win It:
I will be giving away 2 shirts from Hank Player real soon, so be sure to check back! But, currently if you visit Hank Player’s Facebook page and “like” them or if you sign up for their newsletter you will be entered to win over $100 worth of Hank Player merchandise! Two lucky people will win if they reach 200 or more fans on Facebook by May 15th! So be sure to head over and enter as well as tell all your friends….GOOD LUCK!
This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the tee mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

LOCK+MED Giveaway

I’m sure most of my readers are parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles, so I’m sure that that is enough cause to want to keep all your pills and medications locked up well out of reach of the little ones. Now you may not have little ones running around but just as well you will want to keep your medications and pills locked up for privacy or so they will be safe right? Well if so have I got a product to share with you…..LockMed. LockMed is the place to get lockable medication storage boxes!

About LockMed (taken from website):

LOCKMED Medical Product Company is an emerging Medical Technology company based in Pittsburgh, PA that is focused on developing products for Pain Management, including products to safeguard prescription drugs. We have been a pioneer in the field of home medication security products. We launched one of the first home medication lockboxes in January 2008 and have been on the forefront of developing more products to safeguard medications ever since.

The Company was started by a pain management physician and has grown to supply thousands of residential, commercial, and institutional customers since 2008. Our medication security products have been shipped throughout North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia.

Here are a few important and scary facts as to why you should consider locking up your medications:

FACT:
70% OF CHILDREN WHO ABUSE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ADMIT TO GETTING THEM FROM FAMILY OR FRIENDS.

Reference: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings.

FACT:
OVER 3 MILLION U.S. TEENS ABUSE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

Reference: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2007, National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings.

FACT:
EVERY DAY, 3,300 MORE CHILDREN BEGIN EXPERIMENTING WITH PERSCRIPTION DRUGS.

Reference: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2007a. A Day in the Life of American Adolescents: Substance Use Facts.

Also here are some links to learn more about preventing drug use:

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE

OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY

MEDLINE PLUS

PARTNERSHIP FOR A DRUG FREE AMERICA

Bottom Line:

As you can see those are some terrifying statistics and really makes me want to empty all of the contents of my medicine cabinet and lock it up so “Bug” nor any of the other little ones can get into them. LockMed offers high quality and affordable medicine lockboxes so that you can easily keep your meds out of little hand and out of hands of teenagers.

Buy It:
To purchase a medicine lockbox to protect your meds visit the LockMed website!

Win It:
LockMed has offered one of my lucky readers a chance to win a small lock box (ARV $18.99)

Mandatory Entry: Visit LockMed and tell me why you want to win! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to LockMed be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” LockMed on Facebook and tell them "The Cartoon Lovin' Mama" sent you!

6. Follow LockMed on Twitter

7. Follow LockMed on Youtube

Giveaway ends May 15, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did not receive any of the products mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

Potty Tots Review and Giveaway

Now that “Bug” is well into his 3rd year, it is time to get this boy out of diapers/Pull-Ups for good right? We have been trying to get him potty trained since he was about 18 months with very little progress made. Recently I was introduced to a wonderful program called Potty Tots! What is Potty Tots you may be asking yourself….well it’s a super fun and creative way to help toddlers start using the potty and help build their self-esteem all at the same time! When we were offered the chance to review one of these kits, I was quick to say of course and could not wait to get “Bug” started on this program!

About Potty Tots (taken from website):

Potty Tots was an idea born of necessity.

My name is Jill Leech and I am, first and foremost, a mother of three children, Ricky, Emily and Shannon. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a teaching credential in Social Sciences. Even with all of this experience with children, I found myself at a loss for potty training my youngest child.

When my husband and I adopted Shannon, our third child, from China we attended parenting classes to deal with some of the behaviors she was exhibiting. In these classes we learned that children who have been diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder, Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pervasive Development Disorder, or labeled as “strong willed,” really need structure to feel secure. They also need a lot of visuals and specific programs to follow with positive and tangible rewards.

I know that ALL children can benefit from various learning styles, structure and positive reinforcement. So I set out to find a potty training program that would not only show my daughter how to go potty, but would also engage her in the potty training process and encourage her to be independent and “Do” for herself.

As a teacher, my favorite motto for my students is,

“When I hear, I forget,
When I see, I remember,
When I DO, I understand.”

I believe all children can benefit from this philosophy of learning. From my experience, it is also SO important to make learning FUN! Children who are involved in their own learning and having fun are much more likely to be motivated, and successful.

When I was having trouble finding a program like this, I decided to make my daughter an illustrated potty chart of her very own. She loved it! She was motivated to follow the steps because she could see what was expected of her. She loved that the little girl on the chart looked just like her! She felt independent and had a sense of pride when she accomplished these tasks.

Independence and pride are the keys to building a healthy self-esteem. I could tell she was well on her way when she proclaimed, “I can do it, all by myself!” This common little phrase among toddlers would become our motto for Potty Tots. I shared these charts and schedule cards with the instructor of my parenting class, who in turn, shared them with other parents in her program.

That was the “Aha!” moment for me.

I realized this type of product was missing from the market today. With encouragement and creative input from my sister, Jenny Le Blanc, also an educator and mother of three, we added all of the ingredients that make a great learning experience for children.

With the help of an amazingly talented illustrator Jennifer Carlson Ware, an awesome animator, Linda Spain and the musical mastery of Greg Wilson, the Potty Tots came to life!

We started with a story that the kids could relate to, with adorable multi-ethnic characters.

Next, we animated the story on a DVD so that young children could follow along with the story.

We mixed in a little Rock music and the Potty Song to help the kids sing and dance their way to remembering the steps to potty training.
We added a variety of illustrated potty charts, where the kids could choose their own Potty Tot or pal to help them with potty training.
And of course, a pinch of potty humor!

Any successful program must also have a way for the kids to keep track of their progress and positive reinforcement (praise and rewards). Fashioned after the Super Bowl, we created a “Toilet Bowl” football inspired progress chart/game with clings of the Potty Tots.

With the idea that potty training could and should be FUN, the Potty Tots Potty Training Program was born! (Try saying that three times fast!)

Our Thoughts:

 Jill kindly sent us the boys version of the Potty Training Kit, which included: a letter addressed to “Bug”, a super cute story/guide book, a DVD with three adorable Potty Tots songs and their two music videos, a toilet bowl progress reward game with clings, and an illustrated potty chart. Once our training kit arrived, we decided to put it to work immediately and have been using it daily for the past few months. “Bug” seemed excited when the kit arrived, but up until then he didn’t seem to have any interest what-so-ever in potty training.

Now just to start with, we had tried may different types of reward programs, games, and other types of potty training methods but non seemed to work so this was really a last hope for our family. As many of you know we are wanting to have another baby but we want to make sure “Bug” is out of diapers/Pull-Ups.

The very next morning we popped in the DVD for “Bug” to watch and he really enjoyed it. It didn’t take him watching the DVD many times before he was caught singing the “potty songs” while he was playing in his room. We also immediately started working with “Bug” using the potty chart and progress/reward game. The game is probably “Bug’s” favorite part of the entire kit. It seems like there are times now he needs to “go potty” even when he don’t really just so he can give his player another “down”.

My favorite part of this training kit is the illustrated potty chart that gives “Bug” visuals on the step-by-step process of using the potty. Although the fact that he is actually making huge progress since we started using the kit is my absolute favorite. I also love the Potty Tots website, it is so full of useful information on the creators, stories about the Potty Tot characters, fun coloring pages for “Bug” and of course the Potty Tots Rock song!

We have now been using the Potty Tots for a few months now and we have gotten wonderful results. I’m so impressed by the way “Bug” took to this program and the fact that the characters are relatable to him. I am proud to say that we are now out of Pull-Ups during the day, we still wear one at night but now he refuses to wear one during the day…he wants his big boy underwear. Thank you so much Jill, I was beginning to think that he was never going to get interested in potty training.

Bottom Line:
We love Potty Tots and we highly recommend this super fun and highly effective program to any parents looking for a fun way to get their children interested in using the potty! I can’t stress enough how much this program has changed the course of our potty training.

Buy It:
To purchase the Potty Tots Potty Training Kit mentioned above in boys or girls visit the Potty Tots website!

Win It:
Jill was kind enough to offer one of my lucky readers a Potty Tots Training Kit in their choice of either boys or girls. (Continental US Only)

Mandatory Entry: Visit Potty Tots and tell me what kit you would like and a piece of information you learnt! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Potty Tots be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” Potty Tots on Facebook

6. Follow Potty Tots on Twitter

Giveaway ends May 15, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Potty Training Kit mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.